SUSTAINING MEMBER OF THE MONTH
Thanks so much to Dean Boerger and his staff for their continued support of PACO. Their generous support of PACO events and paralegals across central Ohio and beyond is truly appreciated. Reach out to Dean for all your investigative needs.
THANK YOU!
Please join me in thanking Vanessa Sharpe for her service as PACO's Social Media Coordinator! Vanessa has served PACO in this position for quite some time and we are sorry to see her step away from this leadership position. Vanessa, thank you so much for all your contributions to PACO - we're sending our best wishes for your future endeavors! Welcome Randi Daniel's Blair - PACO's new Social Medial Coordinator! Thanks for stepping up into this position! We know you'll do a great job!
CANDLE MAKING EVENT
Please join us on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 6:00PM at Wyandotte Winery, 4640 Wyandotte Drive, Columbus, OH 43230 for evening of fun! PACO welcomes The Cozy Candle Company to this event - each attendee will make their own candle using soy wax and phthalate free scents. The cost is $15. Registration is required and limited to 20 participants. Come join us for and an evening of fun and catch up with old friends and new! This event is sponsored by The Ohio Reporting Company. Registration is available on the web site https://pacoparalegals.org/event-6528041?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=2/19/2026
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Please join us at noon on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 when Lori Wagner, president of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, will update us on the many benefits of NFPA membership and bring us up to date on the NFPA's new initiatives. Remember, your PACO membership includes membership in the NFPA - come find out what that means for you! Registration is available on the website at https://pacoparalegals.org/event-6494089?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=1/29/2026
ROUND TABLE
Please join us on January 26, 2026 at noon for our first round table of 2026. This round table features the domestic relations practice area. In this session, Alexandria Ruden, Esq. will join us to discuss safety-focused parenting plans. Registration is available on the web site at https://pacoparalegals.org/event-6501411?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=1/4/2026
LEGAL INSIGHTS
Please join us at noon on January 29, 2026 when Dean Boerger will present A Litigator's Field Guide to Civil Defense Investigations. This program will provide a pragmatic, experience-driven framework for attorneys, paralegals, and legal professional engaged in civil defense litigation. The program will explore best practices in evidence gathering, witness preparation, investigative planning, and case strategy. This program will provide actionable tools, checklists, and insights to enhance litigation outcomes and reinforce defense casework. Registration is available on the website at https://pacoparalegals.org/event-6494098?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=1/29/2026
FRANKLIN COUNTY MUNICIPAL COURT NEWS
Recently, Clerk Lori Tyack and members of her staff joined us for our General Membership Meeting and shared lots of updates from the Clerk's office. The updates included information about new court costs that went into effect on December 15, 2025 and news about the new office for the Municipal Court Clerk. This spring, the James A. Karnes Building will be razed to make way for the new office and construction will begin in Fall 2026 to early 2027. The new building is expected to open in 2029-2030.
In its efforts to streamline the facilities, the Clerk's office will no longer maintain physical case files since cases are now stored electronically through the e-filing process. All of the cases in existence prior to e-filing must be scanned and imaged in order to maintain the old files electronically. The Clerk's office welcomes any assistance paralegals wish to offer in this process. If you are interested in assisting in this project, please contact Tate Wooding, Director of Public Relations, at woodingt@fcmcclerk.com for more information on volunteering your time.
OSBA PARALEGAL COMMITTEE
The OSBA Paralegal Committee Winter Meeting will take place on February 13, 2026 from 12:00-1:30PM (please note the corrected time from previous communications). Please consider joining us to get involved in the paralegal community.
OSBA STUDY GROUP
The next OSBA Certification Exam Study Group will be held January 27, 2026 at 6:30PM. Please reach out to Ashley Harris (harris.ashnic@gmail.com) if you haven't already registered and want to participate. All sessions are held virtually. The study group is open to all Ohio paralegals planning to sit for the OSBA Certification Exam. There is no cost.
PRO BONO OPPORTUNITIES WITH LASCO
Immigration Pro Bono Opportunities:
Asylum Clinics - there are many asylum clinics coming up. The next date is Thursday, February 19, 2026. For more information, to register, and to learn about training necessary for participation: https://oslsa.wufoo.com/forms/mq5q1bh0o5nipi/
Welcome Wednesday - Immigration Project. The next session being offered is Wednesday, December 3, 2025. For more information and to register: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A44AFAD2CAAF85-54921199-adhocproject#/